Delve into the eerie silence of Palermo's Capuchin Catacombs on a 3-hour guided adventure. Navigate the damp, dimly lit passageways, surrounded by a vast, macabre library of mummified remains. This haunting burial site has been in existence since 1599, when Capuchin monks stumbled upon a mysterious preservative that could preserve the dead. The catacombs serve as a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the fleeting nature of worldly possessions. Over 8,000 bodies, including that of friar Silvestro of Gubbio, the first to be interred in the catacombs, lie within the walls. The corpses are categorized by occupation, such as clergy, virgins, and professors, and are often identifiable by their tattered garments. As you make your way through the corridors, you'll encounter the mummified remains of the renowned painter Velazquez, among others. After emerging from the catacombs, journey to the nearby town of Monreale, just 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Palermo. Here, swap the somber atmosphere for gold and marble as you visit the stunning 12th-century Arab-Norman Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture. Conclude your tour at the serene Benedictine Cloister, completed in the early 13th century. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, surrounded by delicate arches and columns of white marble.